Homemade Chicken Salad Recipe {How to Make a Creamy Chicken Salad the Easy Way}

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Summer Dinner Recipes: Creamy Chicken Salad Recipe

This creamy chicken salad is one of the most delicious homemade chicken salad recipes you’ve ever made. View the recipe below!

➡️ On hot summer days, but also at other times, we all need fewer calories, so we are looking to eat something frugal, which is easier and faster to digest. One of the dishes that is perfect for dinner on scorching days and when you feel bloated is homemade chicken salad, which is a staple in my kitchen during summer and beyond.

➡️ I must admit that this happens not only because I want to eat fewer calories in the summer but also because in this season I often grill chicken on weekends and there are often many leftovers that I use exactly to make delicious appetizer salads ready to serve for lunch or dinner the next few days.

➡️ Probably, many others have similar reasons to make homemade chicken salads and, as a result, it’s a logical explanation for the popularity of chicken salad recipes nowadays. However, this dish is usually not only for American cuisine but also for many other countries, such as those in the tropical regions of the planet and especially in Asia. There are a lot of Asian chicken salad recipes, of which Thai chicken salad recipes and Chinese chicken salad recipes have become quite popular even in the United States, due to their exotic flavors that go perfectly with grilled chicken.

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How to Make Chicken Salad from Scratch

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Creamy Chicken Salad

This homemade chicken salad recipe is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The juicy chunks of chicken are combined with crunchy celery and walnuts, sweet grapes, and tangy red onions. The creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt, mayo, and Dijon mustard brings everything together and adds a zing of flavor.

It's an easy and healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to serve it as a main course, as a filling for sandwiches, or as a side dish, this chicken salad is sure to satisfy. The sweetness of the grapes pairs perfectly with the savory chicken, while the crunch of the walnuts adds a delightful texture.

To make the best homemade chicken salad, be sure to use high-quality ingredients, such as organic chicken and fresh produce. To save time, you can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken from the store. Be sure to chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve this chicken salad on a bed of greens or as a sandwich filling. It's also a great dish to bring to potlucks or picnics, as it can be made ahead of time and easily transported. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious homemade chicken salad recipe!

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories

Ingredients

2 piece boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup chopped apple
1/2 cup sliced grapes
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Add the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, apple, grapes, walnuts, and parsley to the bowl, and toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Preparation Tips:

To save time, cook the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
For a lighter version, substitute all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Use a sharp knife to chop the ingredients into small, bite-sized pieces for a better texture.
Add more or less of the dressing ingredients to your preference.
Make sure to let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend together.

Keyword chicken salad recipe, creamy chicken salad, homemade chicken salad

Whipping Up Delicious Homemade Chicken Salad Has Never Been Easier!

➡️ I am convinced that most readers of this culinary article have prepared various homemade chicken salad recipes and each has a favorite recipe. Some like such appetizer salads with creamy dressings based on mayonnaise or Greek yogurts. I simply love these dressings, but many times I’m trying to make healthy chicken salads with fewer calories, so in the summertime rather I prepare a dressing with ingredients based on aromatic plants and spices.

➡️ I like to prepare homemade chicken salad with grilled chicken leftovers, but also with leftover baked chicken breast or even fried chicken breast in the pan. There is a special category of such recipes that are made with shredded chicken because the chicken breast can be crumbled very well by shredding.

➡️ When it comes to ingredients to combine chicken, the limit is the sky! First, any kind of fresh vegetable is just perfect for cold chicken salads. However, other ingredients go perfectly as well and I think of pickles, boiled vegetables, brined cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and so on. Not to forget, fresh herbs like dill, parsley, basil, and coriander are just ideal additions to any vegetable chicken salad.

➡️ Homemade chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be customized in a variety of ways to suit individual tastes and preferences. The base of the salad usually consists of shredded or chopped chicken, mixed with mayonnaise and a few other ingredients such as celery, onion, and seasonings.

➡️ Yet, the variations of homemade chicken salad are endless. Some people like to add fruit such as grapes, apples, or cranberries to their chicken salad for a sweet and tangy flavor. Others prefer to add nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for some crunch and texture. Some like to add herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a fresh and bright flavor, while others may opt for spices, such as curry powder or paprika, for a more exotic twist.

➡️ Enjoy making homemade chicken salad from scratch! If you need additional info about chicken salad, read more here! Also, I recommend trying more homemade chicken salad recipes available on this website such as cold mushroom and chicken salad appetizer, leftover chicken and corn salad, vegetable chicken salad appetizer, leftover BBQ chicken salad, classic chicken salad with grapes, chicken Caesar salad, Chinese chicken salad, Mediterranean grilled chicken salad, chicken macaroni salad, Buffalo chicken salad, curry chicken salad with grapes, Asian chicken salad with peanut dressing, authentic Thai chicken salad, southwest chicken salad, avocado chicken salad, and more.

➡️ Many more delicious chicken breast recipes are featured in my cookbooks Baked Chicken Breast Recipes: A Healthy Chicken Cookbook and Boneless Chicken Breast Recipes: Best Way to Cook Chicken Breast.

FAQs about Creamy Chicken Salad

What is creamy chicken salad?

Creamy chicken salad is a delicious and versatile dish made with cooked chicken, mayonnaise, and various additional ingredients for flavor and texture. It is typically served cold and enjoyed as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for salads, or as a standalone dish.

How do I make creamy chicken salad?

To make creamy chicken salad, start by cooking and shredding or dicing chicken breasts. In a bowl, combine the chicken with mayonnaise, diced celery, chopped onions, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs. You can also add other ingredients like chopped apples, grapes, or nuts for added crunch and flavor. Mix everything well and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Can I use leftover chicken for creamy chicken salad?

Absolutely! Creamy chicken salad is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred or chop the leftover chicken and follow the recipe to combine it with the other ingredients to create a delicious salad.

How long can creamy chicken salad be stored?

Creamy chicken salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. It’s best to consume it within this time frame for optimal taste and food safety.

Can I customize creamy chicken salad to my preferences?

Yes, absolutely! Creamy chicken salad is a versatile dish, and you can customize it according to your taste preferences. Feel free to add or omit ingredients based on what you like. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, vegetables, or even incorporate unique flavors like curry powder or hot sauce to create your own signature creamy chicken salad recipe.